Thus far, Jesus has talked of a coming Kingdom based on ‘happiness’ and life’. The happiness and life which characterise it, come from the God of mercy, love and compassion who is King of this Kingdom.

In prayer, in listening to God's Word, in liturgy, in Sacrament, in creation, in each person made in God’s image and likeness, God speaks to us every day.  

When we fail – and fail we will – we remind ourselves that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of mercy, with forgiveness at its centre. So, we say sorry and begin again…and again…and again… as often as is necessary. This is, after all, the Kingdom of God! 

In the ‘Sermon on the Mount’  we see God as God always wanted us to see ‘him’ – merciful, forgiving, compassionate, tolerant, gentle and very, very close. In the person of Jesus we are privileged to meet our God. Why would God do this for us? LOVE…..nothing else

if we come to today's Gospel seeking to be reminded of the values of the Kingdom that Jesus taught and for which he gave his life, then we will not be disappointed – we will “have found what we are looking for”! 

St Brigid's Day, celebrated annually on , 1st February marks the feast day of Ireland's only female patron saint and the traditional beginning of spring.

John wrote his Gospel to give his readers hope and joy and peace (the kingdom of God) in face of fear and misery and violence offered by the Kingdoms of this world. 

As we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we are afforded an opportunity to reflect on the sacrament of baptism and our own baptism.